Shukra Dhatu: The Essence of Vitality in Ayurvedic Thought

Abstract

In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, a healthy person is one who has balanced Doshas, a balanced Agni (digestive fire), well-formed Dhatus, appropriate Malas (waste product) removal, and a blissful mind, soul, and senses. Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majja, and Shukra Dhatu are the seven Dhatus explained in Ayurvedic Kriya Sharir (physiology). The seventh and most important of these Dhatus is Shukra Dhatu, which is in charge of vitality and reproduction. The word Shukra originates from the root “Shucha”, meaning pure or radiant. It is the end product after a complete transformation process starting from food and ending in the formation of Shukra, through successive nourishment and conversion of the preceding Dhatus. Sukra Dhatu is present in both men and women and it is the substance which plays a vital role for all systemic body activities including metabolism and the secretions which comes out of the body at the time of sexual act and performs specific functions of reproduction. Sudddha Shukra provides nourishment to the entire body, while in its impure form it becomes harmful to overall well-being. In Ayurveda, Shukra is believed to take almost one month to form from the food consumed, after it undergoes successive transformation through all six previous Dhatus. As Sukra Dhatu the vital essence of all other Dhatus some Ayurveda commentators i.e. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vaghbata has not described its Mala (waste).